A gaming channel was my initial channel on steem. May sound like a good idea, but to build an audience its literally like a job. Then you have to be good at the game or pretty entertaining.
In reality, not for most people. Good luck to those going to try, but very much NOT a viable option (worth the time and effort) for most. You likely won't make much of anything while you build your community.
For those trying (from my experience and what somewhat successful (full-time) streamers have told me):
-1.Stick to a schedule. Your community needs to know when you'll be on so they can tune in. As soon as you stop being regular, may followers will find someone else
Stick to smaller games that have communities. Trying to be found playing PUBG, Fortnite or LOL, will be VERY difficult for anyone new. Most viewers are interested in GOOD gameplay, and most stick to the game, not the streamer IMO.
More importantly, viewers have to scroll down for ages because the game is so saturated. That little thumbnail is very little to go off of for a viewer to decide to click on.
-2. Utilize social media and engage with it often. When you're not gaming, you'll want to build community, and the thing about streaming is the interaction you get with the streamer.
Imagine being able to talk to the actors of a tv show. Its kinda like that. So you'll have to engage even when you're NOT gaming
-3. Utilize DTube, but thats only a small part. Steemit is great and all, and you might get a few followers simply by being on the platform (steemians DO support each other), but the gaming community here is still very limited.
I've watched a few streams on DTube, but the reliablity of the platform still has much to desire. You'd be better off bringing your existing community to DTube, rather than building a community from Dtube.
-4. Like it or Not, youll need to use YouTube. This is your first opportunity for PASSIVE income. However if you stream on Youtube AND Twitch, you can't become a partner on either because of exclusivity.
I'd suggest put up videos (With Patreon and affiliate links - This is where I think you can have a real chance at making money, albiet not much - Gaming isn't the best niches for affiliate marketing for the time put in, IMO) on youtube for potential passive income. and Stream on twitch. You can post your past streams, stream highlights, but better are tutorials, first impressions, and reviews of new and trending games.
Direct those YT to your twitch stream. Direct your twitch viewers to your YouTube. Both platforms are huge and you can build your base from both, and will likely need to these days.
-5. eSports is REALLY tough. You'll be playing with guys who literally play for a living, 8+ hours everyday. And even then the prize pools SOUND big, but are few and far between, and only a couple people win. Odds are very much against you.
-6. Set up donations on Twitch and YouTube (and set up alerts). Patreon doesn't hurt for Youtube. But streamlabs for Twitch is a MAJOR (if not MAIN) source of income for twitch streamers. People enjoy getting some spotlight on-stream and are willing to support their favorite streamers by donating and having their text pop up on screen for all to see. Watch a few streamers and see what I mean.
Becoming an affiliate or partner for twitch allows for custom emotes for your subs to use across twitch, and many enjoy using them as they interact with you and each other.
-7. Get used to talking to yourself. At first, you wont have any viewers and you wont want to alienate viewers that pop in. Act as if people were watching you. This will get you used to interacting with an audience and will get ther 'lurkers' to chat. Once they do, things become easier.
Better yet, play with a friend. It'll take the anxiety off and you will care less that no one is watching. Hopefully at least the friend you're playing with will be in your channel to add a viewer!
--summing up--- Maybe I should've just made a post myself instead of this long ass comment :) Let me know if you want an even MORE in-depth post. I'll do one for you guys
It's a lot more work that just setting up a stream and playing a game and those are just a few tips off the top of my head (there are many more) that I've considered and have stopped me personally from making a big commitment to gaming. I simply don't have the time. I have a job and to be honest, I can't play games for that many hours. It gets boring.
My real suggestion is to give it a try, don't expect much, and most of all HAVE FUN. Once it's not fun, its not worth it. If you have the love for it, by all means chase the dream, just know its a hard way to make an easy living. Even harder than gambling for a living.
If I haven't scared you off, GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!!
Mentioned before, I do have a steemit and twitch channel and don't follow all the tips above but stream occasionally for fun. Twitter (and steemit) is the best place to be notified of when I DO stream. So if you want to hang out:
twitter.com/bobloblaw45
twitch.tv/bobloblaw45
steemit.com/@bobloblaw45
RE: How To Make A Living Playing Video Games: Esports, Streaming, And Blogging